Monday, August 21, 2006

Building occupancy classifications simplified

Still confused about occupancy classifications? Let me simplify things for you. In Uniform Mechanical Code the building occupancies are designated by letters. Here is my explanation of each occupancy group.

Group A occupancyA is for assemblyChurches, arenas, stadiums, concert halls, etc.

Group BOffices and eating and drinking establishments with an occupant load of less than fifty.

Group CNot used

Group DNot used

Group EE is for EducationSschools and day care for more than 6 persons.

Group UU is for normally unoccupied spacesPrivate garages, carports, sheds, and agricultural buildings.

So you live in a house (Group R); in the morning you drop your children at a school or day care (Group E); then you go to your office (Group B); midday you go to eat lunch at a restaurant (Group B); and in the evening you go for grocery shopping (Group M). On Sundays you go to a church (Group A), and if you get sick you go to a hospital (Group I).